Absorbent pad



May 20, 1941. J. B. BlED ERMAN 2,242,937

ABSOHBENT PAD Filed Nov. 30, 1959 in 0 era to);

Patented May 20, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ansomsm ran Joseph B. Bicderman, Cincinnati, Ohio Application November 30,1939, Serial No. 806,862

The present invention relates to absorbent pads, particularly to such pads, bandages and tampons as are used by women during their menstrual periods.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a device such as a pad, catamenial bandage or tampon or increased absorbent capacity. In devices of the character to which this invention is directed, the absorbent properties of the device are an essential factor from which their efilciency derives, for the reason that, when a point of saturation by the menstrual or other flow is reached, the device lacks further utility and must be discarded to be replaced by a fresh one in order to prevent overflow or leakage onto the person or garments of the wearer. Such devices as are presently in use for the purposes mentioned rely upon the mechanically absorbtive properties of such materials as ordinary fabrics, Ceilucotton and similar materials. The present invention while employing such materials as those just mentioned as the principal element for embodying the formative structure of the device, adds thereto and increases the eiliciency thereof, by including in the structure an absorbeiacient material such as calcium chlorid for example or similar substance.

Further objects 01' the invention will appear from the following detailed description thereof.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a diametric sectional view of a tampon constructed in accordance with one form of this invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective illustrating the formation of a tampon in accordance with a modifled form of the invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective of a catamenial pad embodying a preferred form of the invention as applied to such pads.

In the form illustrated sectionally in Figure 1, the tampon consists of a tube of absorbent material, such as Ceilucotton, cotton or similar substance I, which may be built up, of course, either of coiled laminations of the material as shown, or of a wadded mass of amorphic material. The tube is provided with a hollow core 2 forming a chamber which is filled with some absorbeiacient material such as calcium chlorid or substance of similar properties. In Figure 1 such substance is indicated by the numeral 3. End covers 4 for the chamber 2 are provided in order to prevent the expulsion of leakage of the maleakage.

terial 3 from the chamber. It is necessary 0! course that the substance .3 employed shall be entirely harmless when used tor catamenial purposes both in its natural state or by reason of any gasses which may be liberated when the substance becomes wet. In the case or calcium In Figure 3 I have shown a menstrual pad composed of laminations B of absorbent material such as Ceilucotton, with a layer l of calcium chlorid or other absorbefacient material, preterably located between the lower layers of the pad. It is obvious, of course. that a. plurality 01' layers of calcium chlorid may be provided ii. preferred.

In use the advantages of my new pad will be apparent. The absorbent material such as cotton or Ceilucotton of course iunctions in the ordinary manner. By the inclusion in the internal structure of the device oi calcium chlorid or similar substance of high hygroscopic properties. or even by placing thereon a quantity or such substance, the liquid constituent of the menstrual or other flow is drawn into the pad with highly increased emciency, where the W scopic substance serves substantially as a reservoir increasing the absorbtive capacity of. the device and greatly increasing its life and emciency. It will be apparent of course that the absorbefacient material may be incorporated in the device in numerous ways which are but modifications of my invention as above described and as covered in the appended claim'l Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

A tampon formed in the shape of a. tube of absorbent material, a quantity 01' an absorbefacient substance in the opening in said tube, and absorbent plugs adapted to close the ends of said tube to retain said substance.

JOSEPH B. BIEDERMAN. 

